Polk County will look to take the next step in its softball playoff journey on Tuesday, hosting Franklin at 5 p.m. in a 2A third-round game.
The Panthers (18-5) enter as the top 2A seed from the Western North Carolina Athletic Conference. Polk County (21-3) defeated WNCAC member Brevard on Saturday, handing the Blue Devils a 2-1 defeat.
Franklin has won nine straight games since a 6-3 loss to Hiwassee Dam, including a 12-7 win over North Surry on Saturday. The Panthers average nearly seven runs per game.
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Freshman Haeli Bryson is the team’s top hitter with an average of .532. Bryson also leads the team with eight homers and 27 RBI to go along with 13 doubles and four triples. Senior Maddy Cousieanu is hitting .484 with five homers.
On the mound, Bryson owns a 14-4 record, striking out 155 batters in 108 1/3 innings. Her earned-run average this season is 1.55. Senior Samantha Barrett has thrown 36 innings, posting a 3-1 record.
